MSU?s Agarwal, Brown Named to SEC Community Service Teams
April 19, 2016 | Women's Tennis
STARKVILLE, Miss. – Junior Rishab Agarwal and sophomore Jennifer Brown were named to the 2016 Southeastern Conference Community Service Teams, highlighting their efforts in the Starkville community over the last year.
In a continuing effort to recognize the accomplishments of student-athletes beyond the field of competition, all league-sponsored sports have had a Community Service Team since 2004.
Agarwal was one of 13 members on the men's tennis community service team, while Brown was one of 14 members on the women's tennis community service team.
A native of Hyderabad, India, Agarwal has been a constant presence in the local Starkville community. Most notably, he has participated in the university led Breakfast of Champions initiative where the junior spent time with area school children.
“Our guys love playing in front of the fans here at Mississippi State and giving back to the community we love is one way we can thank them for supporting us,” men's tennis coach Matt Roberts said. “It's a privilege and honor to give back to Starkville and the university.”
In his spare time, Agarwal visited with members of the English as a Second club at MSU and Greek houses on campus to share his experiences on the game of tennis.
“Rishab sets a great example for our guys in how to act on and off the court,” Roberts said. “He's done that from day one since he's gotten on campus and this award is a great way to honor him for his services.”
Agarwal, who is ranked 60th nationally in singles, has a 15-6 dual-match record this season on the singles court with a 7-5 ledger in SEC play for the 25th-ranked Bulldogs.
Brown, hailing from Welwyn Garden City, England, was also recognized for her efforts in the Starkville community after earning the distinction for the women's tennis team.
Brown was an active member of the university's M-Club and volunteered at the Chick-Fil-A Family Night sponsored by the school's Bully's Kid's Club. She visited with local schools for the Reading Railroad campaign for the Junior Auxiliary of Starkville.
“I'm very pleased to be given this opportunity to give back to the community,” Brown said. “To me, community service is a selfless way to give back to people who take pride in their environment and the place they call home.”
The sophomore also donated her time with the United We Feed Food Drive and joined Agarwal in the Breakfast of Champions earlier this year as well.
“This is a well-deserved award,” women's tennis head coach Daryl Greenan said. “Our student-athletes appreciate the opportunities provided to them to give back to others. Giving back to the community is one way our players show their gratitude and Jennifer went over and above.”
On the court, Brown has represented MSU at the No. 6 position in singles and has composed a 12-6 dual-match record and 6-5 mark in conference play this spring while helping State's team earn its current No. 21 national ranking.
The women's team is back in action on Thursday when the ladies face No. 32 Arkansas at 10 a.m., as they begin play at the SEC Tournament in Baton Rouge, La., after a first-round bye. The men, who received a bye in the opening two rounds of the SEC Tournament as the No. 4 seed, will await their opponent with MSU's first match slated for Friday in Columbia, S.C., at 2 p.m. ET.
For more information on the Mississippi State men's and women's tennis programs, follow “HailStateMT” and “HailStateWT” on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram
